Not all cherries are created equal in the gas department. Sweet cherries (like Bing and Rainier) have more sugar, so they’re the troublemakers. Tart cherries (like Montmorency) have less sugar and more acid, which actually slows down fermentation.
If you want to enjoy cherries without sounding like a broken tuba, switch to tart cherries. They’re also the ones used for juice that helps with sleep and muscle recovery. You’ll sleep better, and your partner will too—because you won’t be firing off gas grenades all night.
Do Cherries Make You Poop? - Cherries and Your Digestive System
One study even found that tart cherry juice can reduce post-exercise inflammation. But I’m not saying it’s a cure for farts; I’m saying it might save your dignity at a barbecue.
How to Eat Cherries Without Ruining Your Reputation
First, don’t eat them on an empty stomach. Pair cherries with protein or fat—like a handful of almonds or some cheese—to slow digestion. This gives your body more time to process the sugars before they reach the bacterial rave.
Second, chew them thoroughly. The more you chew, the more your saliva starts breaking down those sugars before they hit the colon. It sounds weird, but pretend you’re a cow chewing cud. Your friends will thank you.
Third, and most importantly, hydrate. Water dilutes the sugars and helps move them through your system faster. A well-hydrated gut is a quiet gut. A dehydrated gut is a foghorn.
